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2012 hyundai genesis Model Overview

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Hyundai developed its all-new Hyundai Genesis sedan to compete against Lexus and it did so by borrowing straight from the Japanese luxury brand’s playbook: offer value, quality, performance, and luxury for a lower price than the established luxury brands. And for 2012, Hyundai has made the Genesis even better with the addition of a performance-themed R-Spec model and direct-injected 5.0-liter V-8 engine.

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan comes with a choice of a 3.8-liter, 333-horspeower V-6 or two different V-8s: the first is 4.6-liters and makes 385-horsepower and the second is the all-new 5.0-liter producing a 429-horsepower. Both the 3.8 and 5.0 liter engines offer direct-injection. The 4.6-liter V-8 is port-injected, and carries over from last year. All engines are backed by a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Genesis V-6 engine offers a competitive 29 mpg on the highway. The Genesis sedan rides on a 115.6-inch wheelbase and is 196.3 inches in length overall. It is about the same size as the Toyota Avalon, but unlike Toyota’s flagship, the Genesis is rear-wheel drive. It features a roomy, well-appointed interior and comes with an impressive list of standard features for thousands less than competitive models.

Body styles: Sedan

Engines: 3.8L V-6, 4.6L V-8, 5.0L V-8

Transmissions: 8-speed automatic

Models: 3.8, 4.6, 5.0 R-Spec

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan gains a new trim level at the top of the range: the new 5.0 R-Spec, which features a larger and more powerful 5.0-liter V-8 engine. . The 4.6-liter V-8 becomes the mid-range option for the 2012 Genesis, while a new eight-speed automatic transmission replaces last year’s six-speed automatic for better acceleration and fuel economy. The 3.8-liter V-6 gains direct-injection for more power and increased fuel efficiency. Headlights have been redesigned and now include LED accents. A lane departure warning system is now optional. The taillights and exhaust tips are also new. Power-folding mirrors have been added and now feature puddle lights.

The Genesis sedan’s syle is understated, yet attractive and has undergone minor updates for the 2012 model year. It sports a new more aggressive grille and front bumper. The headlights and taillights have been freshened with LED accent lighting and dark-chrome inserts added to the headlights. The rocker panels have also been updated, and the exhaust tips and rear bumper have also been revised for a sleeker look. A new twilight Blue Pearl paint replaces last year’s Sapphire Blue Pearl. New 17-inch wheels are available on the 3.8-liter and the 5.0 R-Spec features unique 19-inch wheels.

Leather seats are standard on the 2012 Hyundai Genesis, and feature power eight-way adjustability on the driver’s side and four-way adjustability on the front passenger side. Both front seats are heated. For 2012 new interior woodgrain colors for Black, Beige and Saddle leather interiors have been added. The Genesis sedan features a spacious and comfortable interior and large trunk.

Motor Trend testing of the Genesis with the 4.6-liter V-8 resulted in a 0-60 mph dash in 5.7 seconds and the quarter-mile passed by in 14.1 seconds at 102.2 mph. It managed to stop from 60 mph in 113 feet. Steering is smooth and precise, but, its freeway ride quality tends to be stiff. The new for 2012 5.0 R-Spec model posted faster times: 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.3 second at 107.1 mph. Handling for the 5.0 R-Spec is composed, but feels more sports car-like than luxury sedan-like.

Standard safety on the 2012 Genesis sedan includes ventilated front discs, solid rears, with four-channel, four-sensor ABS, brake assist, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), traction control, and tire-pressure monitoring. Front airbags, dual front side-impact airbags, rear side-impact airbags, and front and rear side curtains are also standard. Electronic active head restraints help prevent whiplash. New for 2012 is a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) available on the 3.8 Technology package, 4.6 and 5.0 R-Spec models. It also features eight sensors on the front and rear bumpers combined with a rear backup camera to help with parking.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$34,200

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$19,750

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Recall ID#13V489000 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

Consequence

If the module corrodes, reduced brake effectiveness may result, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured April 30, 2008, through March 28, 2012. The vehicles may contain brake fluid which does not protect against corrosion of the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU).

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners and instruct them to bring their vehicle to a dealer for service. Hyundai will inspect the HECU module for proper operation, and will replace the modules as necessary. Hyundai will replace the factory brake fluid in those vehicles that have not previously had the factory brake fluid replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 or by email at consumeraffairs@hmausa.com. Hyundai's recall number is 114.

Units Affected

43500

Recall ID#16V117000 - VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Consequence

Inoperative wipers during inclement weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured August 1, 2011, to April 30, 2012, and 2011-2013 Equus vehicles manufactured July 10, 2011, to June 12, 2012. The windshield wiper motor cover seal on the affected vehicles may degrade allowing corrosion on the wiper motor's circuit board. The corrosion can cause intermittent or total loss of wiper function.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor cover and seal, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 140.

2012 Hyundai Genesis News and Reviews

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